Nobody loves standing in long security lines, and I don’t know one person who is thrilled by the fact that most airline seats only recline about four inches (if you’re lucky).

But I do know people who love to travel, door to door — not just when they arrive at their resort. I know people who almost always have a great flight, no matter what. I’ve talked to people whose trips got rained out, or who missed connecting flights, or who got lost, or who even had passports stolen — and when I ask them how their trip was, they smile and say, “It was great!” and proceed to tell me the full exciting tale.

So what’s their secret? I’ll tell you: they’ve let go of the Perfectionist Mindset and adopted the Adventure Mindset. The difference between these two paradigms changes everything.

The Perfectionist sets unrealistically high expectations for themselves, others, and situations — and when things don’t go well, they often fall into self-blame or blaming others. The Adventurer makes a plan and is prepared, but is willing to roll with what comes along that might not fit with “the Plan.”

The Perfectionist often avoids risk and only goes with the obvious path in an attempt to avoid “failure.” The Adventurer is less concerned with control and more interested in creative approaches and critical thinking when it comes to problem solving.

The Perfectionist focuses on what isn’t working and is often impatient and critical. The Adventurer sees what’s going well and what there is to be grateful for and is quick to offer appreciation, flexibility, and help in tough situations.

I must point out that the Adventurer knows how to ask “quality questions” when faced with a challenge, questions like:

What’s the best thing that could happen from this?

Hasn't everything worked out just fine in the past? Aren't I OK?

What if I chose to be happy and carefree about this instead?

What is this teaching me?

How can I use this experience to support others?

How could I turn this into a great story?

What can I do differently next time so that this doesn’t happen?

If I’m honest with myself, I know that there are times I fall into the Perfectionist Mindset, in travel and in life. But I also know that at any moment, I can choose something different. I can always choose an attitude of adventure. And as a lifelong traveler, that has made all the difference.

If you’re ready to plan your next great adventure, I’d love to help you get there. You can contact me today by clicking here.

Frequently asked questions

Why use a travel agent? ▼

Expertise: Proper, professionally trained travel agents invest years in education and complete lengthy certification exams to become experts in our niche. I travel and inspect properties several times a year.

Stress Free: Don't waste time with overwhelming options online. I cut through the clutter to find what works best for YOU and your unique vacation needs. I have partnerships with properties and suppliers for special deals and extra values like room upgrades, resort credits and more.

Save Money: Have you ever bought something only to find that you don't need it or it wasn't what you wanted? I help my MUSE Travelers avoid costly mistakes and get them the exact dream vacation they're looking for.

Payment Plans: Vacations booked more than 60 days out can be reserved with a Plan To Go & Package Deposit (see below). Full payment will be due anywhere from 45-60 days before you travel. If planning to travel less than 60 days out, your Plan To Go Deposit and full package payment will be required.

Consumer Protection: Unlike big box stores or generic websites, I don't go away once your invoice is paid. I solve problems and advocate on your behalf when extra help is needed. I also work with you to insure your trip and protect your vacation investment.

You're Already Paying For One! This is our favorite. When you book online through one of "those" vacation sites, you're paying a "gross" rate that already includes an agent commission, whether you benefit from our assistance or not! Why not get the extra service and attention that you paid for?

What kind of activities do you plan? ▼

Activites will vary depending on the location. When you're in Hawaii, you might want to island hop via helicopter, shark dive or drive the Road To Hana. In Jamaica, you might want to see the birthplace of Bob Marley, take a glass-bottom boat tour, party on a catamaran or ride a rollercoaster in the jungle. In Ireland, you might want to sleep in a castle, kiss the Blarney Stone and then see where Guinness is made.The opportunities are endless - but we make it easy!

Are there Vacation Payment Plans? ▼

There sure are! As long as your vacation is at least 60 days out (30 in the case of Disney vacations), you will be able to reserve your vacation with deposit and pay at your convenience.